Is a graphics card update worth it for me?

sacoops

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Hi. I bought my system about ayear ago now and have started to notice slowdown in some of the most recent games. I play at a 1680x1050 res. I am thinking of an update to my GPU but not sure its a big jump up from what i have. Is it worth me waiting for the 'next round'?

I'll try to list my specs as best as i can remember off the top of my head:

P182 case - Can this accomodate a larger card than my current?

Abit IP35 pro

E8400

4GB OCZ Reaper

BFG 8800 GTS 512

650W PSU - Can't remember exactly which but i know its corsair and its on of their good ones!!

Thanks in advance for any help
 

Jaysin

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What is your budget? You could look at a HD4870, or maybe a 4850x2 at around 200-250.

The P182 can accommodate just about about anything. You may need to take the upper drive bay out and move hard drives down below if you get a longer card like the 4850x2.

Both of those would offer a pretty sizable increase.
 

Craxbax

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If you are looking for someone to encourage you to spend your money then I say go ahead and get 285 GTX or at least a 260 GTX 216. Otherwise, the 8800 GTS 512 is a decent performer at 1680x1050 just turn down some of the settings in demanding titles until the next round of new cards come out.
 

sacoops

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Ok thanks for the response. I think I was looking for someone to encourage me to spend my money but mostly wanted to know if it was a sizeable enough jump to make it worth it.
 

Craxbax

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If you really want a little more performance without spending a fortune; here is a nice card that will handle 1680x1050 and the newer titles with ease for $144 (w/ MIR). You could grab a second card later for Xfire of a Nehalem build and stay game competitive for a long time.
 

sacoops

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Thanks for the help. Pretty sure i'll wait now. I realise GTX 285 etc have only just appeared but how long do you usually have to wait to see a big improvement on an upgrade?
 
@ SACOOPS: Depends on how big an improvement you want, how much hardware you already have and how much you want to spend.
I usually wait about 18 month to 2 years from the purchase of the card I`m thinking of upgrading, but then again, I buy one or two tiers below top (current card 512 Mb HD4870 bought last June).